Why is Je dois incorrect?

Graham

Gruff

Hi Graham - without context we can't help here. Can you let me know more detail?

CrystalMaiden

Kwiziq community member

11 April 2018

11/04/18

He means why can't you use Je dois instead of J'ai besoin de.

Gruff

Kwiziq language super star

11 April 2018

11/04/18

Well, without context I can't tell what the issue was so I can only guess: devoir expresses obligation where as besoin de expresses need, so you can use both with a verb, but only besoin de with a noun.

[Note: in fact, you could actually say that but it would mean "I owe a bag" which in a very specific context might actually be something you would say - a game of poker playing with bags, perhaps? So long as you know it doesn't mean need here...]